Response to Marianda

Maranda Rivera RE: Discussion - Week 9 Process Evaluation Process evaluation is an important element when implementing a program to ensure that it is meeting the needs of the organization and address issues throughout the process (Dudley, 2020). In reviewing the qualitative research case involving collaborative social services agencies, it appears to be a relatively successful focus group used to develop clearer concepts of needs among agencies and how to improve (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). The focus group was developed to address the “service delivery outcomes” among organizations (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). The most closely related process evaluation relates to accessibility of the intervention as this targets how to most effectively reach the population and ensure that it is implemented appropriately to be effective (Dudley, 2020). Another area that can relate is the program quality which ensures that the organizations are able to meet the quality of service needed (Dudley, 2020). While there are a variety of questions that are being addressed, the primary goals appear to relate to the identification of access to service between providers in addition to the quality of care. The evaluation of both of these areas is to be conducted during the implementation process once the intervention is already in process. Informants and Results The informants in this case involve the agency representatives across the community including social workers from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). Through the focus group, the facilitator is able to address questions related to the delivery of services and the collaboration among providers related to both strengths and weaknesses of the program (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). As appropriate, the facilitator remained unbiased throughout the focus group to ensure that all were involved and able to share without concern. Gaps in Information Though the case study reports that the focus group was successful, there are gaps in the group related to training of staff and satisfaction. The focus group included representatives from several agencies to discuss the quality of service delivery but it did not develop a clear evaluation of how staff members are trained and their involvement, which is an important component (Dudley, 2020). Further focus groups or assessment with the staff members at each agency may support this research to ensure that they are appropriate for these positions and able to carry-out the needs of the program model. Questions would include discussion of the recruitment process, how staff members are assigned roles, and their evaluation of the program. A focus of the evaluation may also include supervision and ongoing coaching to ensure that they have the support required to offer a successful program (Dudley, 2020). Overall, addressing these aspects of the process evaluation is valuable to further assessment aside from the access and implementation to ensure it is able to meet the needs. References

Dudley, J. R. (2020). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do (3rd ed.) Oxford University Press. Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].